Everyone sat down to dinner. It’s a very interesting mix of people. Julian is on one end of the table, and Chad is on the other. Julian, as he had predicted, had Simone sitting next to him.

Theresa was next to Chad on one side, and Sheridan was on the other side.

“ So Simone, I have to admit that I was surprised to see you here tonight. After all, I think it’s obvious as to how your parents feel about me.”

“ Well, it wasn’t about YOU, Mr. Crane.”

” Call me Julian.”

” No thanks, Mr. Crane.”

Julian laughed. “ Ok. So, why did you come?”

” Because I met Chad the first night he came to Harmony, and he can’t help who his biological family is. And, you’re wrong. My parents don’t hate you. Well, my father does. And, yes, he was against Whitney and I coming, but my mother was supportive.”

” How is your mother? Her pregnancy proceeding well?”

” So far. We’re all pitching in to make sure she stays calm for the next few months.”

“ Do they know what it is?”

“ No, but my mother thinks it’s a  boy.”

” A boy.”, Julian replied wistfully. “ You want a brother?”

Simone shrugged. “ I don’t know. I think having a new baby around period is going to be weird.”

“ What are your interests?”

Simone looked at Julian. “ Why do you care?”

Julian looked at Simone. “ Chad considers you a friend, and I want to support him in his relationships.”

“ You really ARE gonna do right by Chad, aren’t you?”

Julian looked at the young woman. She truly did care about Chad, which he hoped would make their transition from friends to siblings easier. “ Yes. I intend to make sure that Chad feels like part of a real family.”

” I want to believe that. I really do. For Chad’s sake. He’s a good guy, Mr. Crane. As much as he wanted to find his parents, I always prayed that they wouldn’t disappoint him.”

” I’m not perfect, Simone. Far from it. But my love for Chad is genuine and true.”

Simone smiled. “ I actually believe you. “

” I’m glad. So, what are you doing with your life?”

” Actually, there’s a new arts component with the Community Center.”

” Yes…I remember giving money for something on that order.”

” Well, they’re setting up an entire arts curriculum. I’m actually one of the Youth Representatives, which means that I’ve been in on the planning and organization. On top of that, I’m going to teach a painting class, and help put on their first play.”

“ Sounds like a lot of work.”

” Well, it’s actually a job, but the job part is a benefit. I…I really think I’m supposed to be doing this.”

“ When you put on your play, why don’t you call Sheridan and arrange for her to pay for the opening night party.”

” Thank, Mr. Crane! I’ll do that.”

Down at the other end of the table, Sheridan put on her most fake demeanor, and then sweetly speaks up.

” Ivy, have you heard from Ethan lately?”, Sheridan almost sings.

“ Why yes, Sheridan, I have. He’s doing hard work, setting up that clinic for those poor Appalachians. It’s exhausting work, but of course, Ethan is determined to make it work. “

“ Is he dating anyone?”, Sheridan asked, looking directly at Theresa.

“ Actually, there is a local young woman. She went away to college, but after medical school decided to return home and open up a practice. She sounds LOVELY.”

Julian took a gulp of his drink, and practically yells across the table.

” Grace, dear. Are you enjoying yourself?”

“ Um, yes, Julian.”

” Do I remember right? Weren’t you the winner of the Crane Industries’ sponsored Dream Vacation?”

Grace perked up. “ Yes! Sam and I just got back from Paris, Rome, Florence and Venice.”

” Very ROMANTIC places.”

” Oh yes! It was like the dream honeymoon we never got.”

” But, now, you appreciate it more. I mean, you and Sam are such a wonderful example. Anyone looking at you can tell that you two are still MADLY in love. And, after all these years. What a wonderful example..don’t you think, my ‘darling’ wife?”

Ivy scowled at Julian, while Chad held in a laugh.

“ Since everyone seems to be almost finished with dinner, I thought we could get dessert in the Sun Room. “

“ Sounds excellent, Son.” Julian gets up and takes his drink to the Sun Room

Chad caught up with him. “ Thanks for shutting down Ivy.”

“ My Poisonous Pet means harm, but you just have to know how to deal with her. “

Everyone came out, and sat down on the furniture.

“ As you can see, I have a bunch of games over on that table. I thought could spend the time just enjoying the company, under the stars. Looking up and out, it’s just a great view. The tables seat five maximum, so get in a group, and let’s get some games played.”

People were about to move around when a booming voice was heard from across the room.

“ Now, you don’t intend to have any fun without me, do you?”

Everyone turned to look at Alistair Crane.